As the temperature rises and the summer heat waves start to settle in, it is important to stay mentally healthy. The team at Lifeline WA have put together a great list of suggestions on how to maintain your mental health during the warm weather.

Whether you’re feeling depressed, anxious, a little down, or even if you’re feeling good, the following suggestions can help you plan mentally healthy ways to spend your summer.

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1. Enjoy the sunlight. Spend plenty of time outdoors soaking up that vitamin D.
2. Plan a neighbourhood project. Whether it’s a garage sale or collecting back-to-school supplies for children in need, you’re likely to enjoy the challenge.
3. Start an exercise program. If you don’t like going to the gym, think creatively. Swim, find a tennis buddy, walk with friends in the evenings, or put on your favourite playlist, draw your curtains closed, and dance!
4. Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink eight cups of water a day.
5. Read a book. Reading is a great way to relax and get that down time you deserve.
6. Do something to help another person at least once a day. You get extra points if you do it anonymously.
7. Enlist your entire family in a housecleaning day. They won’t be thrilled about the process, but they’ll love the results.
8. Volunteer to help out at your local animal shelter.
9. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
10. Pace yourself. Don’t try to do too much at once. After all, you’ve got the whole summer.
11. Although alcohol might give you a buzz in the short term, in the end it is guaranteed to bring you down.
12. Establish a daily routine but don’t feel like you have to schedule every minute.
13. Gather up some friends and see a blockbuster movie on the big screen. Don’t forget the popcorn and soft drink.
14. Check out what your local council has on. Perth Cultural Centre host a number of fun activities throughout January and February, so make sure you keep yourself updated.
15. Enhance your mental health. If you’ve been coping with issues like depression or anxiety, make this the summer to reach out to a counsellor or therapist for the help you need to find your balance.

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Image: YayMicro phovoir, article by Lifeline WA, reprinted with permission.